Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken:; 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast; 2 tbsp olive oil; Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:; 1 stick butter; 8-10 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup parmesan, grated; 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired); 2 tsp red pepper flakes; ⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced; Chicken Seasonings:; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for appetizers, family dinners, or even meal prep, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a must-try! Packed with juicy chicken bites coated in a creamy garlic parmesan butter sauce, these skewers are easy to prepare and can be cooked in an air fryer, oven, or on a grill.

Whether served on their own or paired with rice and veggies, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Cooking Options: Choose between air fryer, oven, or grill preparation.
Rich and Flavorful: The garlic parmesan butter sauce elevates the taste to restaurant-quality levels.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level or serve with your favorite sides for a personalized touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast
2 tbsp olive oil

Chicken Seasonings:

2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

1 stick butter (unsalted)
8-10 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Skewer the Chicken

Before you begin, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

In a small bowl, mix all the chicken seasoning ingredients: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add olive oil and the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Thread the chicken onto skewers tightly without leaving gaps to retain maximum juiciness. If needed, trim the skewers to fit your air fryer or oven.

2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

This sauce is the star of the recipe!

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and minced garlic. Heat until partially melted.
Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and well combined. (If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter to re-emulsify.)
Reserve 1/3 of the sauce for basting partially cooked chicken and keep the rest for final basting to avoid cross-contamination.

3. Cook the Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Method

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place 2-3 skewers in the air fryer basket at a time. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and baste with the reserved sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Flip once more, baste again, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Total cook time is approximately 12-14 minutes.
Once done, give them a final brush with the clean reserved sauce and sprinkle with extra parmesan before serving.

Oven Method

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Place the skewers on the baking sheet and bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with butter sauce multiple times during cooking.
Switch to broil mode for an additional 2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown finish on top. Remove from the oven and baste one last time with the sauce before sprinkling with parmesan cheese.

Grill Method

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place the skewers over direct heat and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with butter sauce throughout the process.
Once done, remove from the grill and give them a final brush of sauce and parmesan sprinkle before serving hot.

Serving Suggestions

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile! Here are some serving ideas:

As an Appetizer: Serve them with a side of ranch or garlic aioli for dipping at parties or gatherings.
Over Rice: Pair with fluffy white rice or herbed rice pilaf for a hearty meal.
With Veggies: Add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a balanced plate.
In Wraps: Remove the chicken from skewers and stuff it into pita bread or tortillas with fresh greens and your favorite sauces.

Tips for Success

Soak Wooden Skewers: Prevent burning by soaking skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Whether using an air fryer or grill, cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures safety and juiciness!
Customize Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and hot sauce from the butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

A: Yes! Thaw frozen chicken completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: You can replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a similar flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken skewers and garlic parmesan butter sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Q: What can I use instead of hot sauce?

A: If you’re not a fan of hot sauce, try using balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.

Final Thoughts

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are everything you could want in a dish—simple to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re hosting friends or preparing dinner for your family, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites! So fire up your air fryer, grill, or oven and get ready to enjoy these mouthwatering skewers today!